This document is a student activity for Social Science (SOCS 122) at East Carolina University, specifically Module Five, Lesson One, Activity Two. It’s designed for students to explore the concepts of kinetic and potential energy through a hands-on simulation and design challenge.
This activity is likely used to reinforce understanding of energy principles after initial instruction. Students completing this assignment will demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in a practical, visual way. It’s part of a larger module focused on work, energy, and power.
This assignment focuses on applying theoretical knowledge; it does *not* provide the underlying physics lessons or detailed explanations of energy formulas. Students will need prior instruction to successfully complete the activity.
This document provides:
* Directions for accessing and using the “Energy Skate Park: Basics” PhET simulation.
* A skate park design prompt with space for a drawing or written description.
* Prediction prompts for kinetic and potential energy at different points on a track.
* Space to record observations and correct initial predictions based on simulation results.
* Questions prompting reflection on the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.
It does *not* include: pre-taught concepts, completed skate park designs, or answers to the prediction/observation questions. This is a student-completed activity, not a completed example.